The room of the tiny boat seemed to sway with the waves. The curtains surrounding the circular window rocked back and forth with its movement. Outside the bay rolled, slapping the sides of the steam powered transport vessel. Roaring viciously as it pounded on the boat, like a child playing with a bath toy. Its rusty interior creaking as the metal plates that made up the ship moan in pain.
Cypher whimpered childishly as he laid upon the moldy cot located in the cabin. His right arm was stretched out over his eyes, blocking his vision from the sea. His left arm dangled off the bed. Knuckles brushing against the steel floor as he nervously tapped them. His breathes deep and slow as he fought dyspnea that tried to force itself through with the growing terror that ate away at him mind. Migisi had taken it upon herself to nestle down in the crease of his vest. Her tiny body bobbing up and down with his deep breaths, twisting her head side to side as she studied his peculiar behavior.

A gut wrenching feeling stabbed him in his stomach as a drop of cold sweat trickled down alongside his mahogany mutton chop. A lump began to crawl up his throat as the waves' cries grew louder and the boat began to lose control. A guttural cough echoed through the room as he quickly sat up, rising to his feet. Tchkay! Tchk! Migisi hissed as she flustered about. Flagging her wings madly in attempts to keep herself in the air as his sudden outburst flung her forward. She glided herself over to perch on the back of a nearby chair, where she fluffed herself up in anger. The silver feathers of her neck drew upward around her as she ridiculed him. Ignoring her pouting, Cypher stumbled on numb legs as he reached outward to steady himself by leaning on the wall. His vision began to blur as a pulsating headache coiled around his brain. His face redden as slide against the smooth wall towards the closet-sized lavatory attached to the cabin. His throat was tight and burned as he bent over the sink, trying to focus his vision on anything but objects were too hazy for him to center his attention. With a second stab of panic, he felt the lump rush up his throat causing him to vomit. With the remains of his lunch flushed out of his system, he began to clean himself up avoiding the mirror hanging on the wall. He refused to look upon his pathetic self.

Slowly, Cypher opened the door and stepped back into the cabin. His forehead still covered in a thin layer of anxious sweat and his body still shook, but at least he got the worst of it out of the way. Faintly fatigued, he leaned against the door before allowing himself to slide down it. Collapsing gently onto the floor with his arms resting on his knees as he slumped over, wiping the sweat away from his eyes. The jackdaw remained where she perched until she saw the distressed look upon his face. Something was off about him and she made it her business to find out what. Lifting her legs, she flapped over to him, perching on his bent knee. Cypher looked down at her before reaching his finger out to scratch her beneath her chin, assuming she came over for attention. As the two sat in silence, footsteps echoed down the hall, approaching the room before an, elderly man stepped into the room, looking down at him, "Ya alright there, lad?"

Cypher motioned for Migisi to hop onto his arm. Once she did, he pulled himself up, desperate to hide the anxiety that was bottling within him, "Yeah... I am."

McTravis curiously stroked his filthy beard before laughing in amusement, " You young lads sure do not hold back, eh?"

"Pardon me?"

Fe grinned exposing his yellowed teeth, "That look ya got. All worn out like ya gotta hangover. Too much to drink, eh? "

Cypher rolled his eyes as he finally gained enough pride once again to view himself. The little attack he suffered had left its mark on him. His eyes were dull and surrounded by dark circles. His hair had become matted. He ran his hand over his head, pushing the hair back into place before settling his fedora back in its place. His tie had been hanging over the door knob - having removed it when his throat began to tighten. Fumbling with still shaking hands, he tied it around his neck. A quick look at himself again in the mirror was required to ensure his pressed clothing was neatly in place. Migisi was gazing into the mirror as well. Admiring the way her feathers glistened in the light. She opened her beak giving a soft tch in approval of herself before turning to face Cypher, giving him permission to leave the room.

The cold wind of the north Ireland air felt good upon his heated skin. The scenery was vibrant; the lush hills glittered in the setting sun like a polished emerald above the limestone cliffs. Wild flowers carpeted the distant fields as white sheep dotted the landscape. To many, the sight would have been awe-inspiring but for Cypher, its beauty was robbed by the raging sea that gnawed at the small island. He could feel the panic rising again, but the touch of McTravis' hand upon his shoulder shook him out of it.

"Come on, lad, it's only a wee bit of water," he encouragingly said with half a laugh. Sighing as he saw the distressed look tainting the young man's charming face. He needed to loosen him up, "Aye. Let's hit the tavern and rest. We can handle that damn water dog tomorrow. "

Cypher timidly nodded in agreement as his eyes remained fixed on the sea. His mind slowly drifting into a dark abyss as past, faint screams echoed in his mind. Gargling screams of his own as distorted visions of Dr. Hayes standing above him flashed before his eyes. Cringe once again in pain from the throbbing sensation in his head, he turned to follow McTravis, who was leading him up a beaten path to a struggling village. Their footsteps were heavy on the limestone pavement as they entered the town. The buildings were small and old. Many still stood on their ancient stone foundations as the dry fields and rocky walls winded behind them. Busy bodies hurried the streets, preparing for the night. Shops began to close and families hurried home as the air grew cooler. Migisi shivered from the cool air, before huddling herself closer to Cypher. Trying to take refugee beneath his chin and soaking in his body heat for warmth. Feeling her nuzzle her way closer, Cypher unconsciously titled his head towards her, offering more shelter as they walked.



The two men and bird pushed their way through the crowd as they reached a two-story inn located near the center of town. Inside, the bar was packed. Rowdy men clanged steins together as they merrily laughed and partook in drunken Irish songs. A band played passionately in the corner. Their catchy tune carrying out over the bustling pub scene. Cigar smoke floated about the crowd, mixed with the hickey smoke from the grills from the kitchen. The delicious aroma of cooked beef and lamb hovered in the air over the garlic scent of potatoes and other steamed vegetables.

McTravis smiled with pleasure as he pointed out towards the tables. His crooked teeth twisting in his gums as he mouthed and motioned Cypher on. The young man forcefully followed the elder with Migisi moving out from beneath him. The little bird's head twitched as she gazed around the room in amazement. Stretching her body out as she stood on his shoulder, soaking in the festive atmosphere. There were so many alluring aromas to smell. So many noises to capture her attention, but most importantly, so many people to shower her with attention! Tch tch tchkay! she cawed happily as they strolled through the crowd. As Cypher walked, he had to duck to dodge a dart thrown carelessly. Quickly tossing his hand up towards the small bird to shield her from it. He groaned as he heard the drunk slurs of a man call out "sorry, lad". The uncivilized atmosphere of a playful pub was not the type he preferred. He favored the more quiet scene of a jazz bar, but despite the noise, the idea of a drink sounded good to him. He needed a way to calm his nerves.

McTravis had claimed the table before the pair reached it. His bag was resting at his feet and he was already flirting with a fine young red-haired waitress who was taking his order. Cypher gazed at him, feeling ashamed at the lack of professionalism, but he was too dazed to speak up. The woman awkwardly giggled. Politely accepting McTravis' advancements but drawing a clear line that she made sure he would not pass. Once finishing with his order, she turned to Cypher. Her worry melted away as her green eyes widened quickly. Her smile turned from a polite defense to a more genuine, flirty look.

"And what can I get for ya, handsome?" she asked as she playfully twirled her bouncy curls. She caught sight of the bird perched on his shoulder. Her silver and ebony feathers almost matching the man's black vest and finely pressed shirt. A tad confused as to why he had a bird with him, she tilted her head but figured it must have been a pet, "Oh, what a pretty birdie ya have there."

Migisi leaped from his shoulder and landed on the table, looking up at the woman. She could not fully understand words, but she had a basic understanding of the way words sounded. She could tell the woman said something nice about her, pleasing her greatly. Cypher, on the other hand, was unpahsed by the blunt flirt, shrugged as his strained trying to examine the line of bottles located near the bar, "What do you have?"

"Whiskey, Scotch, some wine, the best ale in all the Arans Islands," she then leaned closer, positioning herself partly on the table. Her arms squeezed her breasts closer to give them a larger appearance beneath her low cut shirt and revealing her name tag - Elva - cocking head as she appealingly tapped the pen she held on her lips. Teasing him, "And anything else ya like..."

Looking up at the woman, Migisi's eyes squinted as she lowered her head angrily. That woman was getting awfully close to him but the jackdaw relaxed slight as she watched Cypher sit back slightly in his chair; pushing himself away from the table in attempts to put some space between them. His brow raised slightly in confusion, "Umm... Some ale is fine."

Sighing, she rose to her feet, "One Cloon Ale it is." She wrote it down on her pad of paper before looking up at him again, puffing out her lips slightly and batting her eyes, "It's our own special home brew. Maybe I can convince the owner to make it on the house." She then turned away to walk over towards the bar. Her body purposely swaying with her steps as she moved her hips from side to side.

Cypher relaxed with her gone. Across the table, McTravis watched Elva strut away before turning to face him. He held his thumb up in the air and gave a wink, "Aye what a fine lass she is, eh?" He leaned across the table, motioning for Cypher to lean closer as he whispered while tapping the table, " If I were ya with yer looks, lad... I'd take advantage of it."

"Do you not have any shame, McTravis?" Cypher asked as he leaned sideways with his arm propping him up. Migisi hopping closer to him as she searched the room with a faint hissing sound seeping from her beak Keeping an eye out in case the woman returned.

"Ya don't live forever. Take what ya can get when ya can, boy."

"I have no desire to do so."

McTravis swatted at the air, "Eh quite being so uptight, lad! Enjoy yer youth!"

"He is right, you know," Elva butted into their conversation as she approached the table. Tck! the tiny bird snapped the air in her direction as she turned her back to her. Elva ignored the bird as her eyes were already glued to Cypher. She stepped over to him, running her lean hands over his thin shoulder frame as Migisi shot her a deadly glare with burning rage in her eyes. Whispering in his ear, Elva rested her chin on him, taking in the clean smell of his cologne, "You're so edgy for someone so young. Don't ya know how to have a little bit of...fun?"

His body tensed at her touch as he tilted his head away from her, "Excuse me, miss, but does your employer allow such behavior on the job?"

McTravis chuckled in amusement, almost spitting up his beer as he listened to the fawning couple. Looking away awkwardly, as he tried to give them some privacy.

"I do what I please," she placed her hand on his chin, forcing his eyes to look into her's. Their green tent glowing with anticipation as she leaned in even closer towards him. Her ruby lips closing in on his, "And men like what I do..." She ran her fingers down the side of his smooth, shaved face. Her long nails tickling his skin, sending shivers down his spine. Gulping, Cypher's hands shook as he debated placing them on her shoulders to push her away, but the foreign sensation of her touch paralyzed him. He sat motionless as he felt her warm breath upon his lips.

Tchkay! Tchk tchk! Suddenly, the discomfited couple felt a small force push its way between them. A heavy thud smacked Cypher in his chest before sliding down his front and settling in his lap. Migisi stood hunched over with her wings pulled up arching them over her back with her head pulled in close to her ruffled neck. Beak propped wide open as a raspy hiss seeped out from her throat. Narrowed eyes focusing angrily at Elva, who was now stepping backward with a baffled expression, "I think your little girlfriend's got a problem with me..."

The proud jackdaw eased herself as the threatening female stepped away. Relaxing her feathers as she stood up from her slouching position. Her head high while patrolling his lap, looking at him with a pleased look; she turned her back to Elva flicking her tail as if trying to shoosh away the pesky woman. Hmph! That's right! Tchy, tchy! cawing up to him, she flapped her wings demanding his attention. Sighing, Cypher was slightly relieved that she had interrupted the unwanted moment. He gently began to stroke the bird's back with his finger with an amused smirk. His faint smile quickly faded though as he felt the heated glare of Elva upon him. Glancing up, he caught sight of McTavis laughing hysterically. Stein of beer in his hand. Dumbfounded, Cypher restlessly shifted in his chair trying to figure out a way to avoid making the situation even more embarrassing.

"It got him! Oh lord, it got him!" A furious fisherman stormed into the pub, causing a huge fuss as he stomped through the crowd. His boots hammering heavily on the wood planks of the floor. His hands waving madly above his head.

Around them the carefree atmosphere disappeared as hostility took over. A woman screamed in horror and a few drunken men demanded a riot. The village was growing tired of losing their citizens to the dobhar-chu; they wanted its blood. As the uprising began to grow, Cypher smirked. It seemed as if he did not need to find a distraction; one found them, "Sorry, dear, but duty calls."




The wind had picked up throughout the evening as a storm rolled in from the west. Thick, dark clouds engulfed the night sky. In the distance, lightning flashed above the sea as thunder shook the world violently. The quick flashes of light revealing the madness surrounding them. The waves thrashed about, scratching away at the rocky shore of the island like a beast digging its claws into flesh. The fresh scent of rain was in the salty air. Tonight was a dangerous night to be dobhar-chu hunting.

The three men stood out in the darkened streets, talking as the pub behind them slowly returned to its noisy nature. Cypher braced himself as a strong gust blew pass them. Holding his fedora to his head with his right hand and his tie flapping wildly. Migisi scuffled close to him on his shoulder. Huddling close to his neck, tucking herself beneath his chin slightly. McTravis stood beside them with his chapped hands buried into his coat pockets. He pulled his arms in closer to his body as he huddled his shoulders together to protect himself from the brutal weather. The duffle bag that contained their equipment hung over his shoulder.

"We were pullin' in our boat to the docks when it got 'em!" the unsettled fisherman pointed down to the murky shoreline. The faint glow of the lamps that lead up the dock twinkled in the haze as fog crawled across the land. "It just leaped from the water and swallowed 'em whole!"

As the man described in detail the story, Cypher could feel himself growing sick. His brows intertwined above his naive eyes. Their blue sparkle dulling with fear as the scent of the water began to revive dead memories. Slowly, his phobia began to resurface and aggravate him. His youthful face growing pale as the nausea stabbed him once again. He drew his lips within each other and placed the back of his hand to his mouth, trying to cover the gurgle he made as he fought the urge to vomit back down his throat. Sensing his distress, Migisi caressed his warm skin. Her smooth feathers brushed gently against him as she tried to calm him.

"We better hurry, lad, if we're gonna catch the beast," McTravis glanced over at him. Hiding his sigh as he could see the panic emerging. He anxiously scratched the back of his balding head; Dr. Heung had warn him about the trouble he might face regarding Cypher's aquaphobia, but he would have to do what he could to complete the mission while still keeping Cypher together.

"Yeah..." Cypher pinched the bridge of his nose as the thumping headache began to bite at him. "Hand me the metal case from the bag."

McTravis sat the duffle bag on the gravel walkway, unzipping it with dry hands. Digging through the clothes and other various objects, he found a rectangular metal box at the bottom, passing it up to Cypher who accepted it with shaking hands. His finger tips popped open the latch, revealing the revolver locked inside. He stood with his legs spread to give himself balance as the wind whipped away at him and Migis's claw clenching tightly to his polyester vest. Click! The safety was shut off; bullets loaded. He placed the revolver into the holster as he waited for McTravis to finish preparing for the chase.

Behind him, he could hear soft footsteps. He turned to see Elva standing behind him with an angry look upon her face. Her eyes squinting in fury as her bright red lips curled into a snarl. She rose her arm back slightly before swinging heavily. Her petite hand slapping him hard across his facing, causing him to stumble back from shock. The silver bird flailed in rage as she hissed again at the woman. How dare she!

"So you're the foockin' gouger the government was suppose to send!" She pointed her finger at him as she screamed. "I outta give ya a good larraping for being so late! And to think... I was gonna kiss ya!"

Dazed, Cypher rose his hand to his chin. Rubbing his sore jaw slowly before scuffing the jackdaw's chin to ease her, "What the bloody hell was that for?" With his mouth closed, he moved his jaw side to side examining the damage. No teeth were loose and nothing seemed to swell, "And we are not government. In case you have forgotten, ma'am, I did not come alone." He pointed to McTravis who stood in the distance, holding a flashlight and laughing at the sight.

"We've been dealin' with this creature for months now. I don't know how many men we've lost and they send some... Some gurrier who goes for Devil's milk over his job!" Crossing her arms, she began to pout as she rambled. Talking about how the village had requested for aid almost six months ago, but received no promises of anyone being sent to handle the situation. Her cheeks puffed as her lips twisted angrily on her face. Her enraged eyes followed his lean figure up and down, as she tilted her head slightly to get a glimpse of him from behind. Nodding to herself before settling gaze back on his charming face, "A rather good-looking gurrier... but a gurrier nonetheless!"

"Ya got a way with the lasses, lad," McTravis' body jiggling from his chuckle as he stepped beside the groaning Cypher. He handed him a flashlight and patted him on the back, "Come on, let's get goin' before Heaven's flood gate opens."



The two men turned to walk down towards the dock leaving the glaring woman to herself. She stood with her arms still crossed as she watched them make their way down the slope towards the water. Her eyes still plastered to Cypher's movements. Admiring the motion of his sleek physique beneath his fine clothing with each step. Her angry slowly subsiding as she became lost in her girlish fantasies, before dashing towards them.

In the distance, the men were already approaching the dock. Cypher had clipped the flashlight to his belt, allowing his hands to be free. He walked forward pushing himself through the gusts with his hand still holding onto this fedora while his left hand hovered above his gun holster; Migisi's grip kept her in place while she pout. McTravis clenched on tightly to the other flashlight, leading the way through the dark.

The water swirled below the wooden planks. Shaking the weakened frame fiercely. Cypher leaned against the railing as he began to feel light headed. Petrified, his limbs grew weak beneath his weight. The haziness from earlier in the day clouded his vision once again as he raised his hand to massage his sore eyes, groaning in pain as a raging headache began to emerge from his skull. As he looked down at the twisting water, he noticed the faint silhouette of a large, otter like creature dive beneath the waves. Suddenly, without any warning, the creature leaped out from the water. Nipping madly at the air with its glistening fangs as it lunged towards Cypher. Startled by the strike, he stumbled backwards as he placed his hand upon the pearl encrusted butt of his revolver. Pulling the gun out of its holster and grasping tightly to it with a sweaty palm.

Migisi cawed in horror as she found herself being flung from his shoulder. Fluttering madly, she tried to navigate herself in the strong wind. Her fragile body twisted about while she attempted to return to Cypher, only to find him staggering unstably. Preventing her from perching back on his shoulder. Tiredly, she fought the wind while crying out to him to help her, Tchy! Tchy!

McTravis quickly rushed to his side, grabbing the thin man around his shoulders. Helping him stabilize his balance and allowing Migisi to once again brace herself upon his lean shoulder. The two exchanged glances; Cypher's eyes drearily looking back with a blend of gratitude and fear. He gave the terrified man a pat on the back before gazing down into the water. Below them, the dobhar-chu had returned. Its sleek, furry body glistened in the flames' light as the lanterns shook madly in the wind. It circled around under the dock, pondering when to strike again. A low growl rumbled in its throat as it licked its fangs while examining its prey above the surface; its eyes fixed on the little bird that had hovered about. A bright light twinkled above it before a loud shot rang out over the roaring sea. A sharp pain struck it in the shoulder as its body twitched before dashing towards the shore.

Above the water, Cypher stood with his arms stretched outward. The revolver pointing down towards the dobhar-chu as he aimed, but missed. Shit... he hissed between his clenched teeth. "It's not here anymore!" he cried out, raising his voice to be heard over the storm.

McTravis pointed the flashlight out towards the sea, as he searched for it, "Where'd it go?"

"Oy!" a feminine voice yelled towards them. The two turned to see Elva standing at the edge of the dock, holding on tightly to the railing as the strong gusts swirled around her. She pointed off to the left, towards the silhouette of an abandoned building in the near distance. "It went over towards the old loading dock."

"Well, lookie at who it is, lad," McTravis rose his eyebrows in a playful manner as he elbowed Cypher in the side with a wink.

Groaning, he shook his head as he lowered his arms pointing the gun down towards the ground. Migisi shook beside him, terrified of the loud, unexpected noise, "Now is certainly not the time, McTravis." He turned to face the girl struggling against the weather. Watching her pathetically try to stand against it. He sighed as he walked over to her, offering his free hand towards her. Elva's cheeks flashed red as she placed her hand in his. She positioned near him, feeling the warmth of his body as she pressed against him to shield herself from the cold air that lashed around her. Admiring the fine quality of both his attire and his frame, she ran her hands up his chest, holding onto his shoulders for support. She looked up at him, sighing softly as she got another close up of his handsome features. Her eyes twinkled with glee before a sharp pain stabbed her in her hand. Wincing, she glanced over to discover that the culprit was a flustered Migisi, pecking at her. She quickly pulled her hand away as the two females stared each other down.

"You should have stayed at the pub, my dear," Cypher stuttered from the discomfort he felt as Elva held onto him as the bird's head snapped in his direction. Glaring at him. How dare he call another female "dear"? Let alone, call her "his dear"?



He began to lead her towards the building she had previously pointed to. McTravis following closely behind, amusing himself at the budding scene. As they approached, Cypher noticed that the door had a padlock bolted around the door's handles. The lock had rusted from years of beatings from the weather, but luck for them, the rust had weaken the lock. Stepping back, Cypher braced himself before swinging his leg shiftily towards the door. Kicking it with all his might, the lock flung off as the doors busted open. A few pigeons that had roosted inside the abandon ceiling flew off in fear at the sudden noise, cooing madly from being awoken from their slumber catching Migisi's ear and causing her to fly off into the darkness. Looking for the other birds as her desire to flock strengthen by their scent and noises- though quickly saddened to discover that they had already flown away.

McTravis stepped forward, shining the flashlight around the room, revealing more of its features. A large crane hung in the middle of the room, dangling over a large opening in the floor. A river ran beneath the wooden planks before emptying out into the bay. Across the room from them, a stairway lead down towards the basement where they assumed the dobhar-chu made its nest. Silently, the two men glanced at one another and nodded as Cypher released Elva's hand from his. Replacing it with his revolver once again as he took a step forward. The smell of fresh water lingered in the air making him sick once again. His body shook intensely while a nervous sweat gathered on his forehead soaking into the inner material of his hat.

Creak... the weakened planks whined beneath his feet as he approached the opening in the floor. Gulping, he leaned over enough to gaze down into the darkened abyss. Faintly seeing a silhouette of a bulky beast moving within the shallow waves. Creak...Snap... The thunderous pop of wood echoed throughout the room, causing the distraught man to freeze in place. He felt the floor beneath him growing unstable. Creeeeeak....SNAP! Instantly, the world gave out around him as he fell into nothingness. Time seemed to stand still as everything seemed to slow despite happening with the matter of seconds. He could hear McTravis calling out his name as the elderly man rushed to attempt to catch him; Elva's frightened scream coexisted with the cries of the drunken Scott. Both drowned out by the horrifying sound of water splashing over him.

Plunging into the murky icy water, Cypher flailed about attempting to reach the surface, dropping his revolver in the process. He emerged moments later, discovering that the water was only waist deep, but still tormented by its existence. Gasping for air, he stumbled backwards until he clashed into the stone foundation. Arms sprawled out against the smooth concrete, he stared out into the darkness paralyzed in place as the sharp panic attack pierced him. Pinning him to the wall. Echoes of past screams and vicious laughter pounded away at this mind. Visions of Dr. Hayes flashed before his eyes as painful memories quickly materialize before him. He could always feel the restraints placed back upon his bony limbs before being cast into the water, bond and helpless. Nearby, the dobhar-chu started to circle beneath the water's surface. Eying him as it sized up its prey. The man was of eatable size, and appeared to be weak. He would be an easy meal to take down.

"Lad! Ya gotta move!" McTravis shined his flashlight down into the hole. Exposing the dreadful look that had developed on Cypher's pale face. "There's stairs just to your left...Get to 'em, lad!"

Having heard the turmoil that perspired as she searched for other birds, Migisi glided down from the roof rafters she had roosted. She landed beside the yelling pair gazing up at them with inquisitive eyes. Why were they yelling? Swiveling her head, she leaped to the edge of the hole to investigate what the weird-smelling man and the annoying-woman were looking at. As her eyes adjusted to the change in lighting, she could make out the outline of Cypher's stretched figure trapped against the wall as some unknown being splashed before him, showing its teeth as it snapped in his direction as he tried kicking it away. Her little heart skipped in shock as she scuffled back while thrashing about madly. Why weren't they helping him!? The jackdaw took to the air as she frantically flew around the strange pair of humans, desperately trying to get them to help. The older man did the opposite; ignoring her demands and running off across the room, and of course the woman stood clueless in place. Typical! Frustrated and panicking, she drove after him. Tchy! Tchy!

The familiar caws caught his attention, causing him to slightly lean off the wall as his glazed eyes looked towards the source, "Migs...?" Surprised, he felt her wings gently brush against his cheek as she hovered beside him. Her claws dug into the fabric of his vest, tugging on it to coax him to move. Her caws drew the attention of the dobhar-chu. Its swirled around back towards them as it licked its lips beneath the water as it charged. Its eyes fixed on the bird, "No you don't, you bloody bastard!" Taking his fedora off, Cypher swung it again Migisi, capturing her within it and pressing it carefully to his chest. Shocked by the confinement, she struggled against him, "It is for your own good, my dear..." Holding the imprisoned bird close to him, he began searching for an escape route for them, knowing he had to protect the jackdaw from the hungry jaws of the watery beast.

A bright light glistened in his eyes as McTravis stood a few feet away. Motioning in the darkness for the young man to come over to him while holding onto a long, sharp pole-like object in the other. Gathering all his will, he pushed himself off the wall. following the Scott's voice. The dobhar-chu swam quickly after him with open jaws, intending to pull the man under water in order to get to the bird. However, as the creature approached, it felt a force sting its chest. A harpoon was driven into the creature's chest as it leaped into the air after the struggling man. Crashing back down into the water, it flung about before rolling over dead; its furry body floating to the top of the water behind them.

Cypher hurried to McTravis where he was greeted with an open hand. The older man pulled him up out of the water and onto the small dock he stood upon. Exhausted and nauseated from his threatening panic attack, he immediately collapsed onto the wooden floor. Hi hand lifted off the hat, allowing Migisi to be free once again; the infuriated bird quickly darted out from under it while hissing at him. Punishing him for his careless behavior and roughness to her, she began to scold him by pecking away at his shirt buttons, releasing her frustration out on him. Stupid, sparkly man! Don't get yourself killed... Her body raising upward and downward with each heavy breath he took while trying to regain himself. Shivering, he pulled his arms up around his waist holding onto himself as if trying to simulate a hug to comfort himself.

"Aye, it's alright now, lad," taking his jacket off, McTravis stepped over to him. He knelt beside him offering his jacket to Cypher in order to fight off hypothermia. "The hell's over with but it ain't the worst part of tonight."

"Really now...?" Cypher asked with a raspy, sarcastic tone as he tightened his grip on himself. "And so what would be the worst part then?"

"After all of this... I think you ain't gonna get laid tonight."





""